“That’s right.”
“And why is that?”
For a second Eden got lost in his penetrating stare. She struggled to explain, though she couldn’t understand it herself. “Um, because Maria believes if we both go, he’ll get better.”
Bramford’s eyes clouded with suspicion, then he turned away. She followed him inside and, as she reached the hammock, saw the shock on his face. Her father lay sleeping, his rapid state of decline plain to see.
“Now do you understand?” Eden said.
“Doctor Newman?” Bramford said softly.
“What?” Her father mumbled something about percentages and ratios.
“I brought the jaguar. How long before you’ll be ready?”
Her father continued talking in a nonsensical way. Eden pressed a hand to his burning forehead.
“His fever has spiked,” she said, holding back her tears.
Bramford stared out the back window. Eden wondered if he regretted involving her father in his story—another victim of his lies.
“Let’s go,” he said, turning to her.
“Wait a minute,” she said, hurrying to her room.
Eden dug out the Life-Band and tucked it inside her bindings. She had to get rid of it and hopefully, confuse the signal. Their salvation must come from the natural world, she decided. Catalog and reverie—it had to work.
Using her finely developed researcher’s skills, she memorized the leaf Maria had given her, which was too brittle to survive the arduous trip. Then, as if it were a sacred object, she kissed the leaf and offered a prayer. Please Mother Earth, heal Father.
On her way back, Eden gave the Jaguar Man statue a playful slap. Bramford watched her approach, a shadow of a smile tugging at his lips.
“Come,” he said, already moving out the doorway.
She whispered in her father’s ear. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Lily?” he mumbled.
“Please, hang on, Father.”
Outside, Eden caught Bramford gazing towards Logan’s hut. She wanted to tell him that she understood, that she was sorry for everything, but she didn’t know how.
Before she reached the bottom step, he gathered her into his arms and set her on his shoulders. An electric current ran through her at his touch. Eden leaned her hips against the back of his head, thrilled to be back on her special perch. She dug her hands into his silky hair, holding steady, as they flew across the compound.
Past the gate, Bramford pointed towards the mountaintop, which wore a halo of clouds.
“Heaven’s Gate,” he said.
“It’s dangerous,” Eden said, recalling Maria’s warning. “I guess that explains the name.”
“It’s called Heaven’s Gate because you have to die to get there.”
Eden gasped audibly. Bramford roared with laughter and she laughed along with him. As long as she was with him she had nothing to fear except for her small-minded self. The New Eden was eager to meet the world with an open and fearless heart. She wondered how such a giving place could have once terrified her.
A morpho butterfly with iridescent blue, foot-long wings that shimmered in the sunlight brushed her skin, delighting her. Overhead, a group of Wied’s marmosets with eerie human-like faces peered down like gatekeepers of an ancient land. Excited birdcalls announced their arrival, the King and the Queen of the Jungle cometh.
Bramford slowed to an even trot as the mountain slope grew steeper. His low pant blended with the lively hum of the jungle’s denizens. After a while, they entered an area so pristine that even the trees seemed surprised by their presence.
Once again Eden suspected that someone was watching them. She bent over to whisper in Bramford’s ear.
“I think someone is spying on us.”
“That’s true,” he said.
“But who?”
“Nature.”
“Nature?”
Eden sensed something more—a hidden layer of life that she still couldn’t grasp. Or could she? Open your mind, Eden.
Through the passing miles, she studied Bramford’s signals. The quick dart of his head directed her to a harpy eagle that flew in the upper canopy. She understood that he gathered information from its trajectory, probably the location of water or small prey.
She spotted the myopic bee following the dark veins of a Cattleya orchid towards the inner yellow track of pollen. An iguana hid on a shadowy branch, camouflaged. A slight shift in the wind pressed upon her skin. By the location of the sun, she estimated their northwesterly direction.
The rhythm of her breath began flowing naturally as she relaxed. Animals breathe that way. So that was what her mother had meant, Eden realized. Her cares slipped away. There was only the present moment, and then the next.
She wasn’t surprised when Bramford reached up to shift her weight just as she registered a backache. She recognized a silent communication that took place between them. They were in tune, as easily as the jungle life that seemed to play a never-ending song.
“Thank you, Ronson,” Eden said, claiming that intimacy for her own.
His hands slipped down her sides, lingering on her thighs. Warm, tingling sensations flowed through her. She fisted her hands in his hair and heard him rumble.
The forest sounds dropped away, replaced by the rapid pounding of her heart. Eden forgot the passing scenery and their destination. Only the hot press of his hands on her bare skin, the tilt of his head brushing her inner leg, and her burning ache consumed her. The more pleasure she experienced, the bolder his touch grew. Now his hand trailed up and down the whole of her leg.
She dared to test the boundaries of their body language and flexed her thighs around his neck. Unbelievably, his gait slowed. A feverish thrill shot through Eden. She could guide Bramford with a mere squeeze.
Did she dare push him further? She couldn’t resist the wild urge to flick her hips against his shoulders. At once he picked up speed. She almost squealed—his raw animal power was at her command.
Eden pressed her body against the back of Bramford’s powerful head, rocking to the rhythm of his quick pace. A gush of pleasure swept through her. Like fire and ice. Like sweet, dripping honey.
Again, she pushed her hips, harder now, and waited breathlessly. He tightened his hold on her legs, the heat from his fingers burning into her as he sped faster.
Eden laughed though she hardly recognized the lush, throaty sounds. In response, Bramford let loose an amorous growl that echoed in the trees and rained down on her delirium. She felt melded to him, no longer a mismatched, centaur-like creature, but a single being. There was no question in her mind that he also felt their deep connection.
Sweet Earth, Aunt Emily’s words rang true at last.
He touched me, so I live to know
That such a day, permitted so,
I groped upon his breast.
It was a boundless place to me,
And silenced, as the awful sea
Puts minor streams to rest.
And now, I’m different from before,
As if I breathed superior air,
Or brushed a royal gown;
My feet, too, that had wandered so,
My gypsy face transfigured now
To tenderer renown.
EDEN LISTENED in suspense to a loud rumbling ahead that deepened as Bramford carried her towards the edge of the forest. When he stepped into the open, she was stunned to see a tremendous waterfall that plunged thousands of feet below with a deafening roar. A thick mist blew past them, cool and refreshing. A delicate rainbow arced high in the glistening air like a stairway to heaven.
Bramford set her on the ground and stood behind her, his hands lingering at her waist. His warm breath fell on her like feathery blows. Eden drank in the majestic view and the delicious feel of his hold on her. Giddy, she turned and smiled at him. When he smiled back, she thought it was the happiest moment of her life.
It was impossible to be heard over the raging torrent. Bramford jer
ked his head towards the lip of the fall. Come. She let him lead her by the hand, but balked when they reached a narrow ledge, hidden behind the curtain of water.
The path consisted of wide, flat stones, which curved around the face of the mountain. Their uniformity seemed odd, as if cut by some giant hand. The slabs were only deep enough for one person, and probably slippery, besides. The earthen ceiling hung too low for her to sit on Bramford’s shoulders. If he carried her in his arms, she would hang over the edge in thin air, which she couldn’t stomach. Only one option remained, she realized with a sinking feeling. She would have to walk alone across the ledge.
One slip from that terrifying height—Eden shuddered to think of it. Would she really have to die to reach Heaven’s Gate?
Bramford pointed across to the opposite side of the waterfall, making his intention clear. He offered a reassuring squeeze of his hand, a calm look. Trust me, Eden.
She shook her head firmly.
She hated to see his disappointment. She really wanted to be his she-cat. But even she-cats had their limits, didn’t they?
Bramford held up his hands, resigned. Wait, here.
Then Maria’s warning came to her. El Tigre no comprende. Bramford wouldn’t understand the plant’s delicacy? Whatever the wise woman had meant, Eden knew she had to accompany him.
She swallowed hard. A quick nod. Fine, I’ll go.
His face lit up. He cupped her chin, meeting her gaze. It’ll be all right.
Her eyes strayed to the frightening passage, but he brought her attention back to him. Just trust me.
Eden nodded again. Okay, let’s go.
Bramford pointed at her eyes, then to the water below. He wagged a finger. Don’t look there. Then he stepped side-to-side and pointed down. Watch my feet.
The image of the girl wandering in the jungle beside the jaguar floated into her mind. This was her chance. Be like her, Eden.
She sucked in her breath as Bramford edged his weight onto the first rock. He pressed one hand to the side for balance and reached for her. She clasped his hand tight. While taking a small sideways step, he fixed his eyes on her. Eden scraped her back against the sodden wall of earth, sliding onto the footing.
Her heart drummed in her ears, as if pounded by the waterfall. She felt as weightless as the droplets that floated in the air. But she couldn’t think about that now.
Barely an arm’s length ahead, the water cascaded in front of them. It soaked Eden in seconds. The ledge was as slippery as she feared. Uneven edges between the boulders forced her to raise her feet over the joints or risk tripping. After each one, she had to carefully recalibrate her balance.
They progressed at a snail’s pace. She knew Bramford could have sprinted across. And yet, he adjusted his speed to hers, the grip of his hand always encouraging
So different than the man she once knew.
Eden congratulated herself as they rounded the middle bend, halfway across. But for some reason Bramford hesitated. She tilted her head forward and understood why.
Several boulders had torn away from the path, leaving a yawning gap. The frayed earth crumbled on either side of a hole that spanned at least three feet across. Easy enough for Bramford to straddle the distance. But Eden would have to leap across. She looked at him with panic.
Bramford jerked his head back to the starting point and arched his brow. Go back? He nodded towards her. You decide.
She stared into a small window of space just over his shoulder. Was this where her reveries had led her? Did she really think she could outwit her fate as a lowly Pearl and become a brave she-cat just because she went natural and cut off her hair?
Serves you right, Eden.
And yet, she had come so far. If she gave into her fears now, she might never again feel the warm press of his hand or see the tender look in his glistening, green eyes.
And that would be a fate worse than death.
Eden gave a small nod, rewarded by the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. Bramford unlaced his fingers, releasing her. Immediately, she felt faint with fear. She dug into the moldy earth behind her, frantic, as it loosened in her hands.
He leapt across the gaping hole, just as she knew he would. At the same time, she knew she would never make it.
Frozen, Eden stared at the scene before her—Bramford mouthing words, his hand outstretched over the broken ledge. She told herself that it had nothing to do with her. She should turn back. Then a memory surfaced of her mother’s last breath. Eden had tried so hard to deny her feelings that she also had forgotten about love.
I’m a stone in a cool, dark cave?
It wasn’t enough, anymore, to hover outside of her life, numb and full of despair. Eden wanted to be a part of it, all of it, the sadness and the joy.
Bramford’s bold eyes beckoned. Come to me.
I’m coming.
Eden jumped into the air, her scream lost in the roar of the waterfall. Her feet skimmed the crumbling ledge and slid backwards. A small, clear thought floated through her head. I’m falling.
In a flash Bramford caught the bindings around her chest and yanked her onto the ledge. Eden grabbed hold of his legs, shaking badly, on her knees. Gently, he drew her beside him. She was safe with him. Just like the jungle girl.
Eden nodded. I’m okay.
She shuffled after him until they reached the end. Bramford jumped to the ground several feet below and Eden fell into his waiting arms. He held her tight against his chest, her desire as strong as the rush of water. Couldn’t he see how much she wanted him?
“I’m proud of you, Eden,” he said.
“Thanks,” she said softly. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“But you did it. You’ll be a she-cat, yet.”
Did he really think so? Maybe even adapted, like him? But he couldn’t have meant that. Or could he? He stared at her intently. Once again, she sensed he had more to say. Then confusion seemed to wash over him, and he set her down.
He led her by the hand through a grove of kapok trees. The long, quiet shadows that hovered in dark rows reminded her of reverent monks in contemplation. She could almost hear a distant prayer whispered in the air.
An eerie feeling came over her as they reached a shaded, grassy plateau. Her skin prickled with goose bumps. At the far end of the slope a cliff sailed into the brilliant blue sky, as far as the eye could see. Pillow-soft clouds stepped across it like ladders into infinity.
“Oh!” Eden exclaimed, struck by its familiarity.
“What?” Bramford said.
“I feel like I’ve been here before but…”
Then she recalled her recurring dream. How could she have dreamt of Heaven’s Gate?
She thought of the gentle wind that her mother had believed connected everything in life, even love. Perhaps it had touched Eden, after all.
“Believe it or not,” she said. “I was here with you.”
Bramford smiled mischievously. “I bet we had fun.”
He tumbled Eden onto the dewy grass just as she’d dreamed. Like playful kittens. Even the feeling of exquisite happiness was the same.
Side by side, they stretched out on their backs. The steady drone of the waterfall filtered through the thick grove, shielding them from the rest of the world. Purplish periwinkles, blue-crowned passionflowers and white and gold daisies were sprinkled like jewels at their feet. Above their heads, fuzzy, mimosa-like shoots of pink shower trees laced the sky. Eden gazed at the misted light, glimmering through the pretty network, and let go of a dreamy sigh.
A breeze rustled through the trees, filling her head with Bramford’s scent. Aching, she turned and saw her desire mirrored in his eyes.
“This is heaven,” she said.
Bramford draped an arm round her waist, pulling her close. “Yes, Eden. We’re in heaven now.”
THERE, AT Heaven’s Gate, Eden nestled into Bramford’s embrace with fire-pitch excitement as well as languorous ease. He leaned over her, hesitating. The que
stioning look in his eyes reminded her of all the secrets that lay between them.
Why didn’t he just kiss her?
He sounded serious as he began. “Eden…”
“Yes?”
Then, in response to some mysterious signal, Bramford jerked his head towards the hillside behind them. Eden followed his gaze and, as she stared into the shadows, spied ancient, fortress-like stone terraces, partially hidden by drapes of fuchsia and red bougainvillea vines. In some sections the boulders rose to a man’s height. In fact, the masonry reminded her of the ledge under the waterfall.
Taking her cue from Bramford’s alert posture, Eden kept her voice low. “Who do you think built that?”
“The Aztecs,” he said.
“Then it’s thousands of years old. I wish my father could see it.”
“They don’t like visitors.”
She assumed Bramford meant it in a mythical sense, as the Huaorani might.
“So their spirits still guard the place?” she asked.
“A distant branch, actually.” His voice dropped a notch. “They’re very much alive and watching us now.”
“Have they watched us before?”
“Yes.”
So that must explain the unseen presence she often had felt in the forest.
Eden scanned the terraced area again but saw no one. “Why aren’t they excited to see you like the Huaorani?”
“Because you’re here.” Bramford gave her a wry smile. “You’re cowode.”
“Non-human, right?”
“I can smell their fear. It’s your skin.”
Imagining a poisoned blow dart landing in her chest, Eden flattened herself against the ground.
“Are they like you then?” she said.
“Not quite. But more like me than you.”
“So you’ve seen them?”
“Yes. Deep in the jungle.”
Bramford’s head twitched. Eden caught a flash on the hill where tissue-thin bougainvillea leaves fluttered. She stifled the impulse to run when his calm hand restrained her.
“Let’s move,” he said, pulling her to her feet.
Her back stiffened as they headed downhill. An easy target. Bramford gave her a sidelong glance.
Save The Pearls Part One Page 21